The Complete Shorts Guide
Want to learn more about different types of shorts and which styles flatter your figure? In our Shorts Guide, we present the most popular short styles and give you styling advice for every body shape.
Bermuda Shorts
Bermuda shorts have been worn since the beginning of the 20th century – originally in the Royal Navy in Great Britain, initially designed for use in tropical areas or the desert, later becoming part of uniforms. Businessmen in the British overseas territory of Bermuda are said to have eventually adopted the style of trousers. From today's perspective, Bermuda shorts represent a classic look that fashionistas interpret in a modern way with trendy shoes or accessories. The ideal length? The shorts end a hand's width above the knee. Especially important for petite women: make sure that the hem does not end directly at the knee – this shortens the look.
Style guideline:
Clean, structured look: smooth fabrics, precise creases, hem above the knee.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Linen blazer + knitted top + loafers; silk blouse + slingbacks; tone-on-tone with a fine belt.
Cargo Shorts
Shorts with large patch pockets on the outside of the leg – often in khaki or beige – have long been a trademark of practical hiking outfits. In recent years, however, cargo shorts have undergone a fashion upgrade on the runways and are now en vogue in street styles. The hyped military look, combined with a white shirt and 8-eye boots, has turned the image around. There are also models made of shimmering materials that instantly add a touch of elegance. The advantage of green shades is that they harmonise with many colours.
Style guideline:
Volume at the bottom, clean at the top: simple, close-fitting tops balance out the pocket look.
Matching styles & combinations:
White tank or rib tops, poplin overshirts, derbies/combat boots – or elegant with a satin cami and fine sandals.
Chino Shorts
A classic in the office as long trousers – and just as smart in the short version. Chino shorts lend looks a casual elegance. Especially in light cream tones, they are a must-have with a bow-tie blouse or a business-appropriate white shirt. The outfit looks extra stylish – with a woven-in business character.
Style guideline:
Hem just above the ankle; waistband smooth, no creases.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Blazer + T-shirt + loafers; bow-tie blouse + slingbacks; nautical with a striped shirt + espadrilles.
High-Waist Shorts
Already popular in the 80s: high-waisted or paperbag shorts. They owe their name ‘paperbag’ to their gathered look – like a tied-up paper bag. Above the waist lacing, the waistband typically stands up slightly, and the tie belt emphasises the waist. A real figure miracle: conceals a small tummy and emphasises the waist. A crop top goes just as well as an oversized blouse. Wedges or heeled sandals visually elongate the leg, which is usually wider.
Style guideline:
Belt knot at the side or in the middle, blouse ‘French tuck’ at the front to show off the waist.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Cropped knit + wedges; silk blouse + mules; short tweed blazer + sling pumps.
Hotpants
Short, shorter, hot pants! Ideal for very long legs – but even with shorter legs, they have a lengthening effect thanks to their high waistband. Not just for summer: pair them with opaque tights, a turtleneck, leather jacket and boots for cool spring and autumn looks. Hot pants come in all styles and materials – from denim to leather to glitter. In summer, they go well with T-shirts, blouse tops or tank tops. Depending on the occasion, any shoes will match, from flip-flops to trainers to high heels.
Style guideline:
Create balance: lots of leg → more coverage on top (shirts, blazers, cardigans).
Suitable styles & combinations:
Leather hot pants + boxy blazer + heels; denim hot pants + white oversized shirt + sandals.
Denim Shorts
The wonderful thing about summer – besides ice cream, sunshine and lots of outdoor time? The much-loved, well-cut denim shorts that no capsule wardrobe should be without. No matter what style: there is a suitable model for every figure – frayed, cycling shorts or Bermuda length, high or low waist, mom jeans or hot pants style. The most important thing is that your favourite denim shorts fit your body shape.
Style guideline:
Check the fit on the thigh (shouldn't cut in); choose the hem length carefully (raw hem vs. rolled up).
Suitable styles & combinations:
White tank top + denim + leather slides; blazer + statement belt + mules; boho with embroidered blouse + espadrilles.
Skort
Rock your style – the name says it all. Short culottes (skorts) are the perfect combination of trousers and a skirt: feminine elegance meets practical freedom of movement (including cycling). Flowing fabrics usually emphasise the feminine touch. Skorts come in different colours, lengths and cuts and are welcome almost everywhere: in the office with a blouse and blazer, in your free time with a T-shirt and trainers.
Style guideline:
Emphasise the skirt look at the front, clean lines at the back – don't choose a top that is too long.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Silk blouse + blazer + loafers; T-shirt + denim jacket + trainers; knitted cardigan + Mary Janes.
Dungaree Shorts
If you find ‘normal’ shorts too boring, go for dungaree shorts. The dungaree trend has been around for several seasons – in long and short versions. Originally workwear, it became a trend in the 70s and has never completely disappeared. Dungarees instantly look cool; pair them with a romantic top to create a festival look in no time. A striped shirt or white men's vest reinforce the retro vibe – pure casualness, long since socially acceptable.
Style guideline:
Not too tight on the upper body; straps slightly loose, hem preferably rolled up.
Matching styles & combinations:
Broderie blouse + Roman sandals; striped shirt + canvas trainers; crop top + clogs.
Leather Shorts
A touch of rock “n” roll – leather shorts are an instant highlight. Styling requires a delicate touch: during the day, the combination partners should remain simple and understated; the trousers should not be too tight. A simple shirt and loafers create a stylish look. In the evening, the rule is: pair tight leather shorts with a loose, semi-transparent top and heels; a long blazer elegantly rounds off the more provocative outfit.
Style guideline:
Choose matte leather or high-quality vegan leather; length: mid-thigh.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Boyfriend shirt + loafers; chiffon blouse + stilettos + long blazer; fine knit + ankle boots.
Cycling Shorts
The ultimate 90s fashion comeback – back in style thanks to the athleisure trend. The ideal length is two hand widths above the knee. Shorter styles can quickly look too revealing in everyday wear due to their tight fit. When combining, the rule is: visual balance – wear a loose top with tight trousers. Very stylish with a blouse, blazer and slippers/loafers. A flowing shirt can be worn with a waist belt – or a bum bag. High heels add even more height to the ensemble.
Style guideline:
Monochrome looks elongate; deliberately mix tech materials with tailoring.
Suitable styles & combinations:
Oversized blazer + shirt + loafers; poplin shirt + waist belt + mules; hoodie + dad sneakers.
Beach Shorts
The name says it all: beach shorts are essential for a day at the seaside. Ideal for a trip to the kiosk or a stroll along the promenade – comfortable, airy, often with an elasticated waistband, prints and a casual attitude. Usually made of polyester or cotton, in various lengths, colours and prints. Many styles have practical pockets. Simply cool – especially when it's hot.
Style guideline:
Quick-drying fabrics, drawstring, soft hem; not too tight on the thighs.
Matching styles & combinations:
Bikini or bandeau top + oversized linen shirt + flip-flops; tank top + slides + straw hat; kaftan + espadrilles
Sweat Shorts
Simply stay comfy – that's the motto for sweat shorts. These short jogging bottoms (often with a small side slit) have outgrown the home and are now shaping sporty, urban street styles. The best example: a clean white shirt + trainers + cardigan – instantly elevates the casual look. For a more stylish look, combine casual sweat shorts with an elegant blouse – the key is the deliberate style break. Add white trainers and wait calmly for the wow effect in the office.
Style guideline:
Thick French terry or textured jersey; waistband in the middle, subtle drawstring.
Matching styles & combinations:
Oxford blouse + gold jewellery + trainers; fine knit polo shirt + loafers; boxy blazer + T-shirt + retro trainers.
FAQ – Shorts fit & styling tips
Which shorts suit which body type?
Long legs
The ideal case! Shorts naturally emphasise the legs – with long legs, you have a free choice of cut, length and width. If you want to elongate your legs even more, go for tight-fitting styles. Otherwise, choose purely according to your style: patterns, bright colours or pleats – anything goes.
Short legs
Shorter women should choose short-cut shorts. Bermuda shorts are unflattering as they visually ‘swallow’ the leg. Side seams that rise slightly at the outside are ideal as they elongate the leg, as is a high waistband. High heels add extra length, so the shorts can be a little longer to avoid looking ‘contrived’. Very slim legs can handle eye-catching colours and prints, while darker, plain colours look more subtle on stronger legs.
Strong thighs
Opt for longer A-line shorts that fit loosely and don't pinch anywhere. The ideal length ends just above the knee. Avoid wild patterns and bright colours; fabric shorts that skim the legs or high-waisted styles in dark shades are better. Tip: tuck a tight top into the waistband of loose-fitting shorts to create a beautiful silhouette.
Flat bottom
Here, you can add more volume: patterns, appliqués, contrasts and large floral prints have a padding effect – as do patch/decorated pockets.
Belly
Mid-waist shorts (waistband just below the navel, e.g. mom cut) conceal a tummy. Dark, muted colours also have a calming effect. You can then go for a colourful top.
Androgynous figure
Pleated shorts are ideal: pleats and puffed fabric create curves. Light colours, detailed patterns, flounces or ruffles enhance the effect.
Shorts in the office – is it really acceptable (and how can you keep the look professional)?
Yes – they work in a business casual environment, in creative industries or in marketing. Paired with a shirt/blouse and a simple blazer, shorts make a modern statement; trainers add a casual touch.
Length: professionalism first – hot pants are a no-go in the office.
Material: choose crepe or printed jacquard instead of denim.
Clever combinations: opposites attract – pair shorts with a high-necked top (e.g. a bow-tie blouse).
Office hit: a high-waisted, A-line cut skirt-trousers (skort) looks classic and elegant.
More elegance – it's easy: tuck your top into the waistband for an instantly tidy look.
Which 7 tips will instantly improve your shorts styling?
Match your figure – choose the right cut and waist height.
Adjust the length to the occasion – business ≠ leisure.
Note: the standard ideal length for classic shorts is approx. 10 cm above the knee.
Observe the principle of contrast: tight shorts + loose top (and vice versa).
High heels give you more height – where appropriate.
Dare to break with convention: e.g. blazer & sweat shorts for cool looks.
Trouser suit effect: high-waisted shorts + figure-hugging blazer = your shorts suit.
Shorts with impact – waistband height, hem length and material in perfect harmony
Shorts unfold their effect in the interplay of waistband height, hem length and material drape. A high waistband creates a clear waistline and elongates the silhouette, while a hem that is too long at the knee can visually shorten the leg – a hand's width above the knee is usually most flattering. Flowing fabrics add movement to the look, structured materials add contour; denim lends a casual feel, while tailored finishes make shorts suitable for the city. Balance volume with carefully chosen tops and use shoes as leverage: delicate sandals and heels elongate the leg, while chunky trainers and boots ground and modernise the look. The result is summer outfits that are precisely balanced, versatile and unmistakably Ana Alcazar.
